Hey Spokane. Can We Shock The World?
- Stephen Salazar
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Before I start, I want to say this is not real. And the likelihood of it happening is probably 0. This is just a fun idea that bounces around in my head every time I see an IFL or AFL game.
So, Spokane, do you remember those days when thousands of people would show up to a game? Our small-ish town coming together to root on a team. Die-hards and casual fans alike screaming their heads off in support of the team that wore blue and orange. That fancy “S” on the helmets. Shock games were legit.
For those who don’t know, the Spokane Shock was an arena football team that played in both the Arena Football League and Indoor Football League.
The Shock was born in 2006. This team was setting up a franchise that would take over the league. In their first five seasons (2006-2010), they finished first in their division, with a combined total of 11 losses in 80 games. In those seasons, they won three national championships. The success continued with their transition into the AFL (from the AFL), as they made the playoffs in four of five seasons.
That’s when things changed. The Spokane Shock was no more. When they moved to the IFL in 2015, the Shock’s name was retained by the Arena Football League. Leading to a name change. The Spokane Shock was now the Spokane Empire. Many fans did not like that they moved leagues; now the name change added more discontent to the equation. But it didn’t last long. Only two years later, the Empire folded due to financial issues.
The Shock returned for a short period of time. The 2020 and 2021 seasons in the IFL. They were able to get the name back from the AFL and continue as the original name that everyone grew to love. After the 2021 season, the Shock was kicked out of the league and halted operations since they could not gain a lease agreement.
Why am I writing this? Because my mind wants to know: how can we bring back the Shock? Is it possible? Would the fans buy in? Could Spokane make it from a financial standpoint?
Many things go into starting, or in this case restarting, an arena football team. Going through an application process to even be CONSIDERED for a team would be the first step. Getting clearance from the league’s board of directors, which has multiple requirements, including checking financial security and business experience. From there, you would need to complete a formal application to be reviewed by the Commissioner and League Counsel. It’s quite the process.
The most important part of it all is being financially stable. Initial costs for a startup are estimated at around $350,000. That’s not including gear. Small amount, right? I know I have that much hanging out in my stash now (that’s sarcasm). There are also yearly fees. Venue rental, payroll, travel costs. It all adds up. The costs can be astronomical.
In my opinion, it would take some time for the fans to buy in. The way the Shock bounced around and teased fans would make it hard to regain the trust of the fans. Of course, the die-hard fans might have an easier time buying into the Shock rebirth. I had season tickets and went to every game; I think I’d be there. But then again, I know people who also had season tickets that would shrug it off as if nothing ever happened.
I think Spokane has the market to fund a team. When the Shock was around, the team had high attendance averages. They averaged 10,000-plus fans in the AF2 and over 9,000 in the AFL. Needless to say, there was plenty of support for the local arena team.
Maybe we can get a team back to Spokane. Every team around Spokane has a loyal following and can attract fans. So why not? I say we, as a community, look into bringing back the team we all once loved. There’s only one way to make this happen, and that’s taking the first step.
I think it’s about time we SHOCK the world, Spokane.
Would You Support A Spokane Shock Comeback?
Yes!
No
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